At least four women employees of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)-run Bharatratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College (BAVMC) have lodged complaints against the institution's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Aabaji Khade, alleging workplace harassment, unprofessional conduct, and the sending of indecent and unsolicited messages.
Following the allegations, Dr Sunita Sawant, dean (additional charge) of the medical college, ordered Khade to be sent on compulsory leave.
In a letter addressed to Sawant, the PMC commissioner, the PMC additional commissioner, and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol, the women alleged that Khade repeatedly called them to his cabin, made them wait for hours, interrupted their work, and subjected them to mental harassment. They further claimed that he sent personal and indecent messages via WhatsApp, causing discomfort and offending their modesty.
“We have set up an inquiry committee under the Vishakha guidelines to look into the allegations. We have also sent the person concerned on compulsory leave. The complaint reached us only a few days ago, and we will investigate the matter thoroughly. It is too early to comment on the role of the police in this case. However, a workplace must be a safe environment for every woman, and that is why I have ordered the chief administrative officer to be sent on compulsory leave for an indefinite period,” Sawant said.
Multiple calls and messages sent to Khade remained unanswered.
The letter states that the complaint has been filed collectively by women staff members of the medical college, many of whom are reluctant to come forward publicly because of Khade’s position as a permanent employee and fears of possible adverse consequences.
The letter, dated June 1, states: “The accused’s behaviour made the workplace unsafe for women employees. Despite being a senior officer, he repeatedly behaved in an impolite manner and interfered in the personal lives of women employees despite their objections. We demand an independent inquiry into the matter, while ensuring the anonymity of the complainants, and appropriate action against the accused.”
The medical college has previously been embroiled in several controversies, including repeated notices from the National Medical Commission for failing to meet prescribed norms, allegations that doctors were missing mandatory patient-care duties, and complaints from students about inadequate facilities for completing their education.
About the Author
Steffy Thevar is a Pune-based senior correspondent working for the Times of India. She writes on health, urban infrastructure and gender parity issues. She has worked in Mumbai for three years and shifted to Pune and covered the Covid19 pandemic. She had completed her masters in Journalism and Mass Communication from Savitribai Phule Pune University's department of Mass Communication and Journalism. She also writes on a range of issues including housing, human rights and environment.
